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Looking at 50 BMGs w/ tax money. Have ???

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Rockrivr1

Rockrivr1

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Massachusetts
Ok, I'm getting $3000 back from taxes this year. While I know I can get many guns instead of just one with that, I've always wanted one of these since firing one at a machine gun shoot last year.

I have some questions though:

1. Can I get a decent one for $3000. Maybe a new decent single shot or a used 5 rnd bolt action?
2. What brand names do I want to look for and which ones should I stay away from?
3. If I look at used, what should I look for as a sign to stay away from it?
4. Lastly, IS IT WORTH GETTING ONE OF THESE??!!??

I'd appreciate any feedback and advise on this.

Thanks,
Troy
 
How far do you have to travel to be able to shoot a .50BMG? How often could you make the trek?

These critters re-define the word LOUD!, particularly with a muzzle-brake. They are also more fun when you can play at 500 to 1,000 yards and even farther. But, ammo ain't cheap.

Barrett seems to be the acknowledged leader. They have a website. Other folks here can provide URLs of other manufacturers, or you can easily find them with a websearch...

Art
 
Aren't you knee deep in another hobby already? :D ;)

I have been eyeing them too, actually, but Art's points ring very true. A place to shoot them is the #1 problem. Shooting it at less than 1000 yards seems like a real waste of money and time. Add to that the cost of the reloading equipment and components, and it will push most folks out of the buyer's market.
 
If you DO have the land available to shoot one, they are TONS of fun. Seriously. Take a look at the Barrett Model 99, great gun for the money.
 
Art said it best, how far can you shoot it at your range? The round isn't really stablized at 100 yards. If you can shoot out past 500 yards or more it might be worth your time.

www.serbu.com for the BFG or BFG Carbine
www.armalite.com for the AR-50
www.edmarms.com for the Windrunner(s) 4 different models
www.barrettrifles.com
www.bluegrassarmory.com (I think) makes exact copy of Barrett's
www.ferret50.com .50 upper for AR15 lower
www.mmag.biz .50 upper
www.watsonsweapons.com .50 upper
www.50bmgar15conversion.com .50 upper
www.anzioironworks.com mag fed BFG copy
www.klomont.com for the AMAC, you can buy from the manufacturer but I can't find their website right now.

You can look around on the net but I doubt that you'll find a used mag fed for 3K. The Anzio mag fed is 4K, put the rest on a CC? They offer a discount if your a member of the FCSA. If you get one join the FCSA, they put out a great magazine with alot of info for .50 shooters. www.fcsa.org while your there click on the FCSPI link, they are raffling off a Windrunner.

If you have a big enough range or open space to shoot it, the .50's are alot of fun!!!
 
You know it's funny, when you get a big lump sum, you basically forget what you've been saving up for and immediately head to the "Wish List". Basically because you never know when the next time will be before you see another lump sum.

The place I usually shoot at has a 200 yrd rifle range, but the place I'm trying to get in has a 600 yrd range. Unfortunately there's a years waiting list for that place. Hummm, if I get this I can offer to let the people in charge of membership try it out.


Steve, you are right. The money would definately allow me to get the remaining gear I need for Highpower. There would be plenty left to start reloading as well.

Just when I start thinking one way, 50 Shooter posts all these great links and I'm right back to "REALLY" wanting one of these
 
Oh, I understand. I've been wanting to get a 50BMG for a few years now. I have a 200 yards range I can shoot at anytime I want and a 300 and 600 yard range if I plan ahead so a 50 is really not practical. I just really want one before they get banned. Even if just for investment.

And if you don't need to do super precision long range work, I have it on good authority that the Tasco Super Sniper (10x) will take 50BMG pounding for quite a while.
 
While perusing online I saw a Grizzly Big Boar 50 BMG, parkerized with Harris Bi-pod, Match Chamber, Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 scope, gun case and cleaning rod for $1,500.

Is this a good deal or is Grizzly a bad brand to stay away from?
 
I only have a 200 yd range to shoot at, but my 82A1 is still a hoot to fire.....lots of fun. Even assembling it is kind of fun for some reason.
 
Sorry, I don't know much about the LAR Grizzly...

But wanted to add a comment about the yardage at your range. Be sure to check with the range you're trying to get into to see if they allow .50 BMG rifles. Some clubs don't. The first club I joined only had a 200 yard rifle range. After a couple members started getting into the .50, the club decided they didn't want them shooting there anymore. :confused: So I quit the club. :p

There is another club (also with a waiting list) that I'm trying to get into. They have 300, 600 and 1,000 yard ranges. But, they tell me that they will only allow members to shoot the .50 BMG out to 600 yards. Supposedly there isn't a very large backstop for the 1,000 yard range and they are afraid that if someone misses with the .50, it would be too dangerous.

Whether or not I belong to a club with a decent long-range rifle range doesn't really matter because I have friends that own farms and have lots of room to shoot there. So for me its not such a big deal. Maybe you need to buddy up with some farmers. :)

I went with the Barrett M99, single shot and put a Leupold 6.5-20x50 LRT mil-dot scope on it. I've never regretted the decision to buy it. You just need to keep in mind that ammo is expensive! And if you enjoy shooting as much as I do, its not hard to drop $1k just on ammo, which is what I plan on doing this upcoming Knob Creek. :cool:

The only manufacturer I'd add to 50 Shooter's list is McMillan. IMO here are the top 5 producers (in no particular order):
  • Barrett
  • Serbu
  • ArmaLite
  • Windrunner
  • McMillan
I don't think you'd be making a mistake picking up a used one if its made by any of the above.

Just my .02 FRNs
 
Is this a good deal or is Grizzly a bad brand to stay away from?
Click to expand...

They are good for the money....some owners find that they kick harder than other light 50s. Also, just like the AMAC, the Grizzly is a shellholder design (not a true bolt action, like the Serbu BFG and Barrett 99).

Some people don't mind shellholders while others wouldn't touch one with a 10ft pole.
 
I have flirted with getting one for a while, but I just can't justify the cost when I know I'll be driving quite a bit to just play with it...not to mention the concern that they might become NFA guns soon. Its just more hassle than I care to deal with.
 
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